CHAPTER 2

He told Stan, who was still on the Night Bus, that his name was Mark, and was then dropped off at the Leaky Cauldron once he'd explained to the curious Stan that he'd gone over to a friend's house.

Harry went to the back of the Leaky Cauldron, and tapped the brick wall with his wand, revealing Diagon Alley. There weren't many people, but he supposed it was too early in the summer for anyone to do their shopping. So his first stop was Gringotts. He pulled the ski cap further down over his scar and hair, then went inside. Luckily, no one who might recognize him was there.

"I'd like to access my bank account please." Harry told the head goblin, showing the banker his key.

"Right away, Mr. Potter." the goblin replied, and waved another baker up. As Harry and his escort approached the cart area Harry looked closer at the goblin. "Is your name Griphook?"

The goblin stiffened in surprise, "Yes Sir, it is."

Harry smiled," I thought I recognized you. You took Hagrid and I down to my vault about five years ago." Griphook's face twitched, and they got in a cart.

Harry whooped with joy as the cart plummeted, he'd never been on a roller coaster before, but he guessed that this was just like it.

Their journey came to a stop, and Griphook opened Harry's vault. Nothing had changed, but Harry hadn't really expected it to. "Griphook, if you don't mind me asking, why did you seem, well, surprised when I recognized you?" Harry asked, turning back to the goblin.

Griphook didn't meet the young wizard's eyes. "Not often does a warlock recognize a goblin, to most, we look alike. It is even rarer for a goblin to be recognized by both sight and name."

Harry didn't think that was fair, to him the goblins looked quite different, mostly in the face. "Thank you for telling me," Harry said, giving a small smile. Harry went into the vault, and put about one hundred galleons in the bag, along with some sickles and knuts; he was hoping to buy a place to live.

"Mr. Potter sir," Griphook began.

"Just Harry, please." he said kindly.

Griphook nodded, "Mr. Harry, I was wondering if you knew of your two other family vaults."

Harry froze, and set the money bag down, turning to look at Griphook. "No, I only know of this one."

The goblin cast a cautious look outside, then began to speak in a quieter voice, "The Potter family vault is further down; you may not touch the money there until you come of age, but there are other things inside the vault. The second family vault is the Black family vault. Mr. Dumbledore activated the late Sirius Black's will. Mr. Black left the vault to you and a Mr. Remus Lupin. You and Mr. Lupin also split ownership of the Black Mansion, and the Black House, both of which , I'm sorry to say, have not been found."

Harry took a few moments to think about this. Had Dumbledore planned to tell Harry of this? Why hadn't the headmaster ever told him about the Potter vault? Yes, he couldn't touch the wealth, but it's not like he needed it. Smiling at Griphook, Harry sat down on a pile of money, "Griphook, could you take me to those vaults, without having to alert someone?"

The goblin nodded, "Only if you withdraw more than 1,000 galleons would your financial adviser be alerted."

Harry stiffened, "Does my 'financial advisor' work at Gringotts?"

Griphook shook his head," No, but I may not mention names."

Harry nodded, "I understand. Well, I'd like to go see the other two vaults, is that alright?"

"Yes Mr. Harry; please, follow me."

The cart dove deeper into the grounds of Gringotts, the air became so damp Harry could feel the moisture on his face as they rushed downwards. He saw Griphook smirk a little in amusement when Harry put his hands in the air.

Finally, the cart leveled off, slowing down as it passed several family vaults. Nott, Avery, Snape, Malfoy, and Zolar were several of the many. Funny, all but 'Zolar' are Death-Eater families, Harry thought with grim humor. The cart stopped between the two vaults labeled 'Black' and 'Potter'.

Harry noticed with distaste that the Snape vault was right next to the Potter vault. Wonderful, Harry thought sarcastically, Snape's reminded of me every time he comes down here; how touching.

Griphook helped Harry out of the cart, and instructed him to place both hands on the Potter door. "Potter, Harry James." the goblin announced, and the two, fifteen-foot iron doors slowly creaked open, testimony to the fact that they hadn't been opened in a long while.

Harry barely kept him jaw from dropping as he looked at the contents. The vault was ten times that of his regular one, and filled with hills of galleons, sickles and knuts. But that wasn't all-- chests overflowing with priceless jewels and weapons were everywhere, as were several suits of armor that would put the ones at Hogwarts to shame. An entire wall was concealed by bookcases that were jam-packed with different volumes. Hermione would fain on the spot, Harry thought, and continued his observations.

Tapestries of still-life scenes like a waterfall, a griffin in mid-flight, and a night sky, lay on top the piles of money. Non-moving pictures were also seen, but what caught Harry's eye was a red tapestry with golden letters titling 'The Potter Family Tree'. Harry immediately thanked Griphook for bringing him down here, then walked carefully over to the tapestry. I'll be here all day if I try to finish looking at it, Harry realized, after gazing at the tree, and seeing how many names there were.

Calling some moisture into his mouth, Harry returned to his escort, "Do you mind if I look at the Black vault, and then decide what to do?" Harry asked.

Griphook openly smiled, which came out as a large smirk. "Not at all Mr. Harry." The Potter vault magically sealed itself, and the Black vault opened after they repeated the process, only this time, Griphook said. "Potter, James Harry-- Heir of the Black family."

If Harry hadn't seen the Potter vault first, he would have dropped dead at the sight of the Black fortune. There were no bookcases or treasure chests, only galleons. The piles of knuts as high as Harry's waist looked like smears of dirt among the massive amounts of gold galleons and silver sickles. One thing that seemed out of place though, was a small wooden box in the corner. Cautious, yet curious, Harry went over to it. Instead of the Black family crest, Harry was surprised to find a shield containing a dog, a rat, a stag, and a wolf, encircling the letter 'M' engraved on the top. Harry rested a palm against the crest, and was startled when a silver light flashed, and the box opened silently. Inside were several letters, the first one Harry opened, had a dark blue wax seal with a dog and the letters 'S.B.' on it.

Dear Harry,

Obviously you've inherited the Black family fortune, which means I'm dead. I don't know how long it'll be 'till you find this, but I'm writing it during the summer before your fifth year at Hogwarts. The box you found this in, is the Marauder's keepsake/secret box. We originally put our plans for our next month's adventure, or pranks we were intending to pull in here, but I figured it should be used for a new purpose.

Lately I've been trying to convince Dumbledore to let you stay with me, but he's being stubborn. In my annoyed state I happened to 'come across' some information and things Dumbledore probably wasn't going to discuss with you. If he does, before you read this, tell him I apologize for not trusting him if he doesn't, please, read on.

Remus is named your guardian after me, but I doubt Albus has even told Remus either of you that. Another thing is that Dumbledore has yet to reveal James' and Lily's will to you; it's in the envelope with Prongs on the seal. Dumbledore's also been hiding the Potter family vault from you, in case you didn't notice, it's right next to the Black vault.

But enough with the sneaky, serious stuff, time for the fun news. Dumbledore might be watching your regular vault and the Potter vault, but not this one; and you know what that means-- spoil yourself! Buy some new clothes, books, games, whatever you want. Try to give Remus some, I doubt he'll want to take it, but if he resists too much, tell him: "The Marauders take care of their own." He'll get it. I hear there's a new broom line coming out, see if you can get any news about it, and wipe the smirk off Malfoy's face! I think the inventor made a different broom for each position on the Quidditch team too!

Another thing you'll find in this box, is a vial containing a red liquid, (and no, it's not blood) it's a potion that will terminate all wards on you and any wand you use that alert the Ministry of your using magic either out of school, or under age. It's bloody useful, I'm telling you! It doesn't hurt, and tastes pretty good, if I do say so myself.

The last fun thing I gotta tell you about it the Black Mansion. It's already unplottable, and has an everlasting Fideleus charm, which is controlled by the youngest Black family member or heir. It was me, now it's you. You might not like the decor, Merlin knows I didn't, but with the help of a certain potion cough cough you should be able to change that easy. To find the Mansion, just think of me.

Well, I hope everything works out Harry, I love you, and miss you like hell. Keep you chin up, your spirits high, and dip you nose occasionally in mischief grin, but most of all, live Harry, and keep living.

-Your Godfather and friend,

Padfoot

a.k.a. Sirius Black

Harry bit back tears and some laughs after he read it, then closed the box, and turned back to Griphook, who had been waiting silently. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting Griphook," Harry said, "I'll just take this box and some money, then I'd like to go back up."

Griphook nodded," Take all the time you need, Mr. Harry." he answered.

So Harry got another money bag from the cart, and filled it half-way with sickles, a few knuts, and a fair amount of galleons. "Hey Griphook," Harry began once they'd gotten back into the cart, "I remember you once said that there's one speed only, is that true?"

Catching what Harry really meant, Griphook smirked mischievously, and the cart took off-- five times faster than before.


Coming Up:

The Mysterious Black Mansion

Then:

Wanted for disappearance: Harry Potter

(Snape's report)